Villagers bury their dead following the murder of 49 Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo by ISIS-linked jihadists. (Open Doors )
Blythe said that the Islamists are attempting to create a caliphate with its strict Islamic laws in a country which is 80-95% Christian.
“Christians are avoiding sleeping in their homes at night. They prefer to sleep in the jungle, facing the risk of wild animals, rather than being vulnerable targets for extremist attacks. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s estimated that over 16 million Christians have been displaced due to the violence. The church is fleeing. Christians are grabbing their children and fleeing for safety, often during the night.”
“This is not an isolated event,” Jo Newhouse, a Sub-Sahara specialist for Open Doors, told Fox News Digital. The organization reports that more than 80 local villagers, largely Christians, have been killed in other attacks in just this month of July alone. “We need the U.S. to pay attention about what is happening and use your influence for the church here. Do not be blind to what is happening here. Pay attention.”
Judith heard about President Donald Trump’s brokered peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda. However, it hasn’t so far made any difference to the situation where she is, in the eastern part of the country. “We have seen many peace accords which have not given any result,” she said. “The peace accord that is needed is the one with the ADF. For now, they continue attacks on the people.”
People gather around the charred remains of a burned vehicle following a deadly attack in Komanda, Ituri province of eastern DR Congo, where 49 worshipers were killed at a church service by jihadists. (Olivier Okande/UGC via AP)
Villagers saw the Islamist attackers withdraw to a point a few miles away. A local source says no arrests have been made. Another attack can come at any time.
“If the Trump administration can put pressure on governments like Uganda and Rwanda to withdraw their forces here,” Judith said “Congo would be fine”.
